Terpenes 101
Terpenes can be found throughout nature but tend to be most commonly associated with the cannabis plant. While the cannabis market tends to place focus on the specific classifications of cannabis plants, it’s important to know that it’s much more than whether a plant is a Sativa, Indica or Hybrid, that determines how it will make you feel. The classification of cannabis plants is important to know, however the commercialization of cannabis has caused it to be the focus much more than necessary. It tends to be an easy way for companies to label a product that will easily appeal to their customers. Terpenes are the lesser known, but one of the most important compounds found within cannabis, that helps determine the scent, taste, and effects of your cannabis.
In the following article, we’ll examine some basics about terpenes, cannabis plant classifications, where you can buy terpenes online, and how terpenes can potentially assist with sleep.
What Are Terpenes in Cannabis?
Terpenes are organic compounds found throughout nature, including in the cannabis plant. Terpenes are responsible for providing unique aroma, flavour, and specific effects. Did you know that the terpenes found in cannabis interact directly with the cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, to help amplify how cannabis affects us? Terpenes are formed inside the cannabis trichomes, the strength and number of terpenes that are present is directly affected by the intensity of light exposure and the spectrum of light that they’re exposed to.
Below we’ll take a closer look at five of the most dominant terpenes in cannabis, their aroma, other plants they’re commonly found in, and what their potential effects are.
Dominant Terpenes Found in Cannabis and Their Effects
While terpenes are found throughout plants in nature, the cannabis plant has an abundance of noticeable terpenes. The way in which each plant is grown, dried, and cured, all contribute to the amount and concentration of terpenes in the final product.
Also, different cannabis strains will each contain different terpenes, so it’s worth checking out which terpenes are dominant in any cannabis strain before purchasing.
Did you know that you can infuse additional terpenes into your favorite cannabis products? You can learn more about our range of terpene infusion products here.
Below is an outline of five of our favourite terpenes:
- Linalool – You’ll commonly find linalool as an ingredient in candies, perfumes and soaps because it has a delicious floral aroma and taste. Linalool can be found in lavender, citrus, mint, birch, and cinnamon. Some of the potential benefits of linalool include anti-anxiety effects, reducing stress, and also mood-boosting.
- Myrcene – The most common terpene found in cannabis, also known as beta-myrcene. Myrcene is also found in the eucalyptus tree, lemongrass, mangoes, and bay leaves. Myrcene has a spicy, herbaceous aroma and can help with pain, inflammation and to soothe tired, aching muscles.
- Caryophyllene – Also known as beta-caryophyllene, this terpene is also found in pepper and cloves, hence its spicy aroma. Caryophyllene interacts with the immune system and can help with inflammation, pain, and depression. It also can have antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- Pinene – Pinene is commonly found in pine trees and coniferous plants. You’ll smell and recognize this terpene immediately! Pinene can help to reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and kill bacteria.
- Limonene – Limonene is the second most common terpene found in cannabis strains and is also found in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. Limonene is a common ingredient in candies, cleaning products and insect repellants. In addition, limonene helps to stimulate the immune system, fight off bad bacteria, and can also help with anxiety and depression.
The Cannabis Varieties Explained – Are Indica, Sativa and Hybrids Really a Thing?
Currently, there are three main types of cannabis cultivars that are often used to characterize the effects of weed products which include sativa, indica, and hybrid. A sativa cultivar is typically associated with an energetic and uplifting effect, whereas an indica cultivar is characterized by it’s relaxing and sleepy effect. Largely, cannabis strain names such as sativa, indica, and hybrid have been repurposed as a clever way to advertise cannabis products.
As of now the main classes are typically characterized as:
- Sativa – Sativa strains of cannabis are known to be uplifting and energetic. Rather than leave you feeling tired, many sativa strains increase your energy levels and are great for social situations or when you’re looking to get creative. However, many sativa strains will leave you feeling awake after you smoke and can make switching off your thoughts more difficult.
- Indica – Indica strains of cannabis are well-known for leaving you tired, exhausted, or ‘couch locked’ after you use them. Using indica strains of cannabis often results in you feeling sleepy, deeply relaxed, and also with heavy limbs. If you’re looking to find a cannabis strain to help with insomnia, then most indica strains are a great place to start.
- Hybrid – Hybrid strains are a mixture of both sativa and indica genetics but are usually dominant in one strain over another. However, it is possible to get cannabis strains that are evenly balanced and share characteristics of both sativas and indicas.
As research evolves we are starting to see a shift, as more cannabis companies begin to focus on the percentage of terpenes and the dominant terpenes within products. Research is starting to show that terpenes are a far better indicator of the effects of cannabis than the arbitrary Sativa and Indica terms. These different terpenes can alter the effects of THC and CBD, and how they interact within your body – modulating the effects and experience.
With flower still being primary in terms of consumption, terpenes are now emerging as the royal entourage and the lesser known stars running the show.
We are starting to see this classification system being replaced by terpene dominance within strains, to characterize the difference in effects from various strains. As time goes on we will likely continue to see a broadening of the classification system. At CannTerp, we propose a broadened classification system focused on dominant terpenes and have build customized products that fit into these broader categories. These include:
ELEVATE – Citrusy, peppery, sweet and sour aromas. These products provide an energizing, sociable, uplifting, may help to relieve pain and inflammation.
Terpene blend: Limonene, Terpineol, Beta Caryophyllene, Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene
IMMERSE – Piney, earthy, fruity, pungent aromas. These products provide a euphoric, stress reducing, alert and potentially a “couch-lock” feeling.
Terpene blend: Myrcene, Limonene, Alpha Pinene, Beta Caryophyllene, Eucalyptol
RELAX – Citrus, spicy, piney and more subtle aromas. These products are provide a relaxed effect that can also induce a creative, and uplifting experience.
Terpene blend: Terpinolene, Beta Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene, Humulene
DREAM - Have sweet (and spicy) dreams with these calming terpene blends. Use these products to tuck yourself in and experience a sedating floral and slightly spicy scent. Notes of lavender, coriander and sweet basil help lift your spirits and melt away stress.
Terpene blend: Linalool, Terpinolene, Myrcene, Nerolidol, Gamma Terpinene
Therefore, the more educated the consumer is on terpenes, the more it allows them to further refine and identify weed products to suit their needs and provide their desired effects. As you can see, after you start to understand more about terpenes it allows you to begin to ask broader questions, such as: 'Are there any terpenes that can help you sleep'?
Your Questions - Are There Certain Terpenes That Can Help You Sleep?
We often get asked about which terpenes are best to help with sleep. Almost 30% of adults will experience insomnia at some point in their life, and 10% of those will develop long-term insomnia. One of the common treatments for insomnia is pharmaceutical medications, but many people find that they get left feeling washed out, tired, and lethargic the next day.
Did you know that cannabis could be a natural solution to insomnia? However, it’s not just any cannabis. Studies have shown that the terpenes inside cannabis play a much bigger role than we first realized.
Terpenes do this by amplifying or boosting the effects of the particular cannabis strain you're consuming. This is known as the 'Entourage Effect'. This phenomenon isn’t exclusive to just cannabis. Different plants, fruits, and vegetables work together to deliver better results.
Some of the best terpenes that can help with sleep include: Myrcene, Linalool, Nerolidol and Terpinolene. Linalool is well known and has been commonly associated with sleep. It is the primary active component from lavender plants, which can help to induce a restful sleep.
What Are Terpenes and How Can They Benefit Me? – Conclusion
There you go! We hope this article helps to inform you on the number of effects and experiences that terpenes in weed can provide. It is important to buy terpenes from regulated providers and ensure you take a look at reviews and unique products. Terpenes can elicit a number of desirable need states and can also have a number of medicinal properties, such as elevating mood or helping to battle insomnia. While we already know a lot about terpenes, more clinical trials are needed before we can make any specific medical claims about terpenes or their potential benefits.
When it comes to terpenes, no one does it better than CannTerp. Our experienced and professional team takes cannabis terpenes to the next level. If you have any questions about any of the terpene products we stock at CannTerp, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us directly.
Our friendly and professional team is standing by and happy to assist you with any of your terpene related questions.